Iranian official refutes Israeli claims of targeting 20 sites

An Iranian official has refuted claims that Israel targeted 20 sites within the country, insisting that no military facilities in Tehran were struck.

In a statement to Iran’s semi-official news agency Tasnim, the unnamed official remarked: “The Israeli army’s assertion of targeting 20 locations in our country is not true. The actions of the Zionists originated from outside our borders and resulted in limited damage.”

The official further clarified that no military installations belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps were targeted in Tehran. He dismissed reports indicating that 100 Israeli military aircraft were involved in the operation, stating: “These reports are completely false. Israel is attempting to exaggerate its ineffective attack.”

Background on Israeli attacks

On Oct. 1, Iran launched a missile strike against Israel, prompting a warning from the Tel Aviv government that a response would ensue. Iranian media reported Israel targeted several military bases in western and southwestern Tehran. The Israeli military confirmed its attacks on military objectives in Iran.

Hours after these assaults, loud explosions were again heard in Tehran. Iranian state television reported that these sounds came from the east of the city and were caused by missiles fired from air defense systems in response to the Israeli attack, stating that military facilities had not been hit.

In the aftermath of the strikes, Iran announced that it had closed its airspace until further notice. The Iranian Emergency Center indicated that there were no reported casualties from the attacks.

The Israeli military confirmed that it conducted strikes on certain military facilities in Iran, asserting that the operation was “successfully completed.”

Nonetheless, the Iranian official reiterated that the claim of Israel targeting 20 sites within the country is false, emphasizing that no military installations in Tehran were affected.